Is this a butternut squash plant?!? (And how to care for it...)

[Russel Sprout]

Hi all

We bought this plant early in the year from a roadside stall and it was labelled as a butternut squash. Now that it is formed, it doesn't look like a traditional butternut squash. Maybe it's a different type, or maybe it's something else entirely!

Aside from identification, it would be handy to know whether it looks ripe and ready to harvest, and if not how I will know when it is?

And one last thing... I have not pruned the plant at all. I've just let it do it's own thing and run amok. Is that ok or should I have (and should I now) cut some leaves back as you do with pumpkins?

Many thanks

Max

[bario1]

I've got Uchiki Kuri growing on my plot and it looks exactly like that - which, incidentally, is not what it looked like on the packet. I would leave it (and the plant) alone until it dies back, then you'll know it's as ripe as it can be.

[hamamelis]

A lot of squash look pretty similar; I've grown Golden Hubbard for a few years, and they looked just like that as well!

I always leave mine to get on with it, until either the plant dies back or it looks pretty well even colour all over and there's a proper frost forecast.

[Mark_Riga]

Agree with the 2 above, it is not a butternut, looks like Uchiki Kuri. If it is it keeps well over winter. I add diced to roast veg (with onions, garlic, courgettes, aubergines, mushrooms, olives and tomatoes (whatever of these is available but always tomatoes). Can add in diced feta or halloumi or even a mature cheddar. Serve with cous cous or maybe roast potatoes or roast sweet potatoes.

[Russel Sprout]

Hi all

Going through some posts and updating them with where things are at now and where they need to go next! Only one squash made it on the plant. Better than nothing! Here are a couple of pics:





I'm going away for a week of Friday. Should I take it off in case there is a cold snap? I think it looks ready but can't be sure.

Many thanks

Max

[lottie dolly]

I would,but remember to cut it each side of the stem,so you end up with a T shape of stem attached to the squash.